Firefighters to conduct controlled burn near Bend to mitigate wildfire risk

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Firefighters on the Deschutes National Forest are planning a prescribed burn up to 2,008 acres on Pine Mountain, 14 miles southeast of Bend. The burn, scheduled from May 5 through May 8, 2026, is intended to help protect homes from tragic wildfires.

The operation on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District will involve daily ignitions beginning Tuesday if conditions are favorable and will continue through Friday if conditions remain favorable.

The prescribed burn will target approximately 350 acres each day ignitions occur, with ignitions slated to begin around 9:30 a.m. Prescribed burns are a fire management tool that can protect homes from tragic wildfires.

Smoke from the burn will be highly visible from Highway 20, Bend and the surrounding area. Residual smoke is also expected to be visible following ignitions. Residents in the Pine Mountain area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed to minimize smoke impacts. Smoke is most likely to settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.

During prescribed burns, residents can use a portable air cleaner if available and air cleaners work best with doors and windows closed. A do-it-yourself air cleaner can also be created. If a central air system is available, it should be used to filter air, ideally with high-efficiency filters. Drivers in smoky areas should slow down, turn on headlights and set their car's air to recirculating. Individuals with heart or lung disease, asthma or other chronic conditions should pay attention to how they feel and consider contacting their health care professional if symptoms worsen. More smoke preparedness resources are available at centraloregonfire.org/protect-your-health.

For public safety, the Pine Mountain area will be temporarily closed to traffic, including off-highway vehicles and paragliding. Forest Service Road 2017 will be closed, as will the Pine Mountain Campground and dispersed recreation opportunities. A temporary flight restriction will be in place over the area. Ignitions for the burn will be conducted by both hand and aerial methods.

Fire management officials work with Oregon Department of Forestry smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. These burns are conducted when weather conditions are most likely to move smoke up and away from communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, communities may still experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn.

Closures for Forest Service Road 2017, Pine Mountain Campground and dispersed recreation opportunities will remain in place for multiple days while mop-up and patrol operations continue after the prescribed burn is complete. Firefighters will reopen roads and recreation sites once conditions have been assessed and are determined safe for the public.